News

LeBron James is leaving Miami

TAKING HIS TALENTS OUT OF SOUTH BEACH?: James had two years and about $42.7 million remaining on his deal with the Heat. Photo: Associated Press

(Reuters) – LeBron James told the Miami Heat that he will exercise an early termination option in his contract and become an unrestricted free agent in a move the team said was “fully expected.”

Opting out of the final two years of his contract does not mean the four-time league Most Valuable Player is leaving the Heat team he led to NBA championships in 2012 and 2013.

“We fully expected LeBron to opt-out and exercise his free agent rights, so this does not come as a surprise,” Heat President Pat Riley, who said he was informed of James’s decision earlier on Tuesday, said in a statement.

“We look forward to sitting down with LeBron and his representatives and talking about our future together.”

James, who was due to earn $20 million next season, had until June 30 to decide whether to head back to free agency.

Qualified players become free agents on July 1.

The decision allows James to explore his options, including signing a new deal with the Heat team he led to four successive NBA Finals appearances since joining them as a free agent in 2010 after seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.